Jackson Square was built in the 18th century and has played a pivotal role in the history of Louisiana and the US. The original design was meant to emulate the Place des Vosges in Paris, and it was known as the Place d'Armes during the French colonial period, when it served as a military parade ground and public execution site. Following the Louisiana purchase in 1803, a flag-raising ceremony took place in the square to mark the transfer of sovereignty over Louisiana from France to the USA. It was later renamed Jackson Square in honour of General Andrew Jackson, a hero of the Battle of New Orleans, who would go on to become the seventh President of the United States. A statue of Jackson on horseback was erected in the middle of the square in 1856 and remains a prominent feature to this day.
The square is surrounded by historic buildings, including the St. Louis Cathedral, the Presbytère and Cabildo (which are now branches of the Louisiana State Museums) and Café du Monde, arguably the city's most famous coffee shop. Jackson Square is home to plenty of local street performers, artists and musicians, and hosts various events throughout the year, including art markets, festivals, and concerts.
Enjoy an in-depth look at the city's most popular landmarks on our private 5-hour driving tour of New Orleans, where you will walk through the historic French Quarter, explore Jackson Square, admire the stunning Saint Louis Cathedral, wander through the bustling French Market, and more!
On your private half-day tour, you will:
Uncover the essence of New Orleans on a private 5-hour tour through the city's most iconic neighbourhoods and landmarks. Explore the historic French Quarter, the charming Garden District, and the scenic City Park. Though the order of the stops may vary depending on the day, this tour offers an in-depth exploration with the comfort of private transportation and the insights of a knowledgeable driver-guide.
Your tour starts from your chosen location in central New Orleans, and your first stop will be the historic French Quarter, famous for its charming, historic buildings featuring a mix of Spanish, French, and Creole influences in its architecture, with intricate ironwork balconies, colourful facades, and lush courtyards.
Next, you will visit Jackson Square, where you will be marvelled by the magnificent Saint Louis Cathedral, the oldest continuously active Roman Catholic cathedral in the United States, from 1727.
You will explore the French Market, one of the oldest public markets in the United States, dating back to the late 18th century, where locals and tourists alike come to shop, eat, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. It’s a great place to find unique gifts and locally crafted items!
Your journey continues to the Marigny neighbourhood on Frenchmen Street, famous for its live music. This area is a hub of the city’s artistic and musical scene. We will then travel to the Lower 9th Ward, one of the hardest-hit areas during Hurricane Katrina. In the years following the hurricane, the neighbourhood became a symbol of resilience after the devastation caused by the storm. Various organisations and volunteers have worked tirelessly to rebuild and restore the community, including the "Make It Right Foundation" founded by actor Brad Pitt.
Later, head to the expansive City Park, an urban oasis that spans over 1,300 acres, making it one of the largest and oldest urban parks in the United States. Enjoy the serene beauty of ancient oak trees, scenic lagoons, and stunning landscapes. Continue with a short visit to Metairie Cemetery, one of the city's most famous burial sites, known for its unique above-ground tombs. Your guide will explain the traditions and history behind these distinctive burial practices, offering a deeper insight into New Orleans' culture.
Your last stop will be the Garden District for a leisurely walk among its stunning mansions, manicured gardens, and historic architecture. Your guide will tell you about the district’s notable residents and the history of some of the most picturesque homes in the neighbourhood.
As you return to your accommodation, you'll carry with you the magic and spirit of this extraordinary city, ready to inspire and delight you long after your tour ends.
Embark on a 5-hour private tour through New Orleans’ most renowned neighbourhoods and discover the rich connection between the city’s past and how it has had a great impact on NOLA's present, as you journey through the cobblestone streets and beneath the grand, ancient oaks draped with Spanish moss.
On your private half-day tour, you will:
Embark on an immersive journey that takes you deep into the heart of New Orleans’ most iconic neighbourhoods, followed by a profound visit to a historic antebellum plantation. This private tour is designed to reveal the striking contrasts between the city’s lively, colourful streets and the tranquil, yet hauntingly beautiful, landscapes of Louisiana’s storied past, where history, culture, and elegance converge in a unique blend that is quintessentially New Orleans.
Your tour begins with a seamless pickup from your chosen location in central New Orleans. Settle into your comfortable vehicle as you’re whisked away to explore the city’s diverse and fascinating neighbourhoods, each with its unique charm and history. Your first stop is the legendary French Quarter, the beating heart of New Orleans and its oldest neighbourhood, where the vibrant Creole architecture tells tales of the city’s rich and tumultuous past, featuring colourful facades and wrought-iron balconies that give this district its unmistakable character.
Next, you will immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere at Jackson Square, where the majestic St. Louis Cathedral —America’s oldest continuously active Roman Catholic cathedral which stands as a testament to New Orleans's deep-rooted spiritual heritage. The square itself comes to life with street performers and local artisans, all under the watchful eye of Andrew Jackson’s iconic statue.
You will continue to the Garden District, a neighbourhood that embodies the opulent charm of 19th-century New Orleans, with grand homes that once housed the city’s wealthiest residents—cotton kings, sugar barons, and industrial magnates, and manicured gardens which are true works of art. Driving through the elegant backdrop of St. Charles Avenue, you will discover a scenic boulevard lined with ancient oak trees and stately mansions over the world’s oldest continuously operating streetcar line, in service since 1835.
Leaving the city behind up River Road, you will arrive at a magnificent Destrehan plantation where you will step back to the era of the French and Spanish colonial influence, through the rise of the sugar barons, and into the tumultuous years of the Civil War and Reconstruction. On a one-hour plantation guided tour, you will hear compelling stories of both the free and enslaved people who lived and worked there, gaining a deeper understanding of Louisiana’s complex and often painful history.
After the guided tour, you will have an additional hour to explore the main house and the plantation grounds at your leisure before heading back to central New Orleans. The interior of the main house is self-guided to maintain a quiet atmosphere, as the space is too limited for guided commentary without disturbing other visitors. You can take a stroll through the verdant gardens, or delve deeper into the exhibits that further illuminate the lives of those who shaped—and were shaped by—this place.
This tour is perfect for those seeking a deeper connection with the region’s past, as this experience will leave you with a profound appreciation for the depth and diversity of Louisiana’s cultural heritage. Don’t miss the chance to uncover the many layers of history and culture that make this region so unique.
Disclaimer: Our plantation tours are designed to provide a historical perspective on the lives of those who lived and worked on these plantations, with a focus on education, remembrance, and respect for the experiences of the enslaved people. We aim to foster a deeper understanding of this challenging chapter in history, ensuring that the stories of those who suffered are heard and acknowledged. By running these tours, Travel Curious does not support, nor does it want to purport to support any form of social and/or economic racial disparity, but rather we view it as a vital educational resource with which to combat modern-day racism of any kind.
Embark on a 5-hour driving tour through some of the most popular and recognised New Orleans's neighbourhoods followed by a 1.5-hour airboat swamp adventure. The perfect combination of New Orleans gems including city and wildlife experiences!
On your private tour, you will:
Discover New Orleans gems on a private 5-hour tour that combines an immersive city experience exploring iconic neighbourhoods with an exhilarating shared group swamp adventure through Louisiana's stunning wetlands.
Begin your day with a private driving tour through New Orleans' most popular neighbourhoods each one with a distinctive and unique charm.
Your journey will take you first through the historic French Quarter, the elegant Garden District, and other captivating areas like Uptown, Mid City, and the expansive City Park.
After soaking up the city’s vibrant atmosphere, you will embark on a scenic drive to the swamps located a short distance from the city. Here, you will join on a 1.5-hour shared airboat tour or flat-bottom boat tour through Louisiana’s mesmerizing bayous.
As you glide through the wetlands, you'll be captivated by the unspoiled beauty of the swamps, where ancient cypress trees draped in Spanish moss create a magical backdrop. Keep your eyes peeled for various wildlife, including alligators, snakes, turtles, and a diverse array of bird species, such as egrets, herons, and ibis. On some special occasions and if you are lucky, you might even see hawks, owls, or bald eagles soaring above!
This tour offers an immersive experience offering both a cultural and natural adventure that showcases the best of New Orleans and its surrounding wilderness in a fast-paced and exhilarating airboat, promising a unique and memorable encounter with Louisiana's ecosystem.
Experience the magic of New Orleans like never before—book your adventure today and let us guide you through the city's historic streets and into the heart of Louisiana’s wild beauty.
Please note that Airboats accommodate 6-16 passengers so that additional guests may join you during your tour.
New Orleans, particularly the French Quarter, has a long-standing reputation for being one of the most haunted and mysterious cities in the United States. The city’s deep history, intoxicating mix of cultures, and turbulent past contributed to its strong association with the supernatural. The French Quarter also known as Vieux Carré, is the city's oldest and most iconic neighbourhood, packed with history, culture, and plenty of ghost stories. Join us for a private 1.5-hour spooky tour through some of the most captivating corners of the French Quarter and hear some of the most gruesome tales of ghosts, murder and the occult from a passionate local expert.
On this private ghost tour, you will:
Your eerie evening adventure will begin in the heart of the French Quarter. You'll meet your charismatic local guide who will set the scene for your intriguing journey into the underbelly of New Orleans. Opting for a private tour means you will have the guide’s undivided attention, and you will soon be enthralled by their anecdotes about the city’s unmistakable connection with the supernatural and the key figures who made their mark upon the Quarter’s mystifying streets.
You will pass by a carefully curated selection of the neighborhood’s most iconic and terrifying landmarks including the Old Ursuline Convent, the oldest building in the whole of Louisiana. As you admire the aesthetically pleasing French Colonial architecture, you will learn about the French nuns who founded the convent which became an integral part of the New Orleans community in the 18th Century. You will hear the legend of the Casket Girls, young women sent from France to wed the men of New Orleans who soon caused a stir due to the strange happenings that began to occur after their arrival. If the tale is to be believed, the nuns made a gruesome discovery about the young ladies that sparked the first suspicions of vampires lurking in the shadows of the Vieux Carré.
Opposite the convent, you will find the Beauregard-Keyes House, a haven for ghost hunters thanks to its apparent myriad of ghostly residents. Your guide will explain the stories of the different spirits who may dwell here, from a Confederate soldier who served as its first owner to the enslaved men who built the home, a famous poet and author, and even a trio of murdered mobsters. While it is not unclear who or what exactly haunts the house, residents and visitors alike have felt a strange and powerful malevolent presence there over the years, seemingly intent on causing trouble.
Another stop on your tour will be the notorious LaLaurie Mansion, a house that has long been synonymous with ghosts and hauntings in New Orleans. Thanks to your guide, you will get the lowdown on Madame Delphine LaLaurie, the lady of the house who went from a respected member of Louisiana high society to one of the most brutal killers the city has ever seen. You will get a detailed description of the heinous crimes she committed that is not for the faint of heart and hear about the ghosts of her unfortunate victims who are widely believed to have wandered the halls of the mansion for almost 200 years.
Throughout your time together, your guide will make sure to take you along the most famous streets including Jackson Square and Pere Antoine Alley, where many have spotted the ghost of the popular priest who gives the passage its name. Right around the corner, you will have the opportunity to stroll along the world-famous Bourbon Street and call upon another of the city’s oldest surviving structures: Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop. Your guide will regale you with the incredible story of the pirate Jean Lafitte who set up shop here in the 19th Century and has been linked with a long list of shady dealings. Unsurprisingly given the shop’s illicit origins, there have been eyewitness accounts of hauntings going back hundreds of years.
The French Quarter is known to have several haunted hotels. Your guide will reveal the secrets of the Orleans Bourbon Hotel, formerly the New Orleans Theatre and Ballroom, an important opera house and a gathering place for Creole society. You will uncover the dramatic history of the building including the tragic events of 1854 and soon understand the Bourbon’s reputation as one of the most haunted hotels in the entire US. You may also pass by the Omni hotel as your guide divulges a gory true crime story that gripped the nation in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, proving that sinister occurrences of death and destruction in New Orleans are not confined to the distant past.
Your tour will come to an end outside the lively Ghost Bar where you are free to continue your evening with one of their fabulous signature cocktails or immerse yourself in the rest of the French Quarter’s animated nightlife. As your guide disappears into the night, their entertaining accounts of centuries of ghostly goings-on will leave a lasting impression as a highlight of your trip to the Big Easy.
Mardi Gras may have its roots in Europe as a pre-Lenten celebration of indulgence, but New Orleans has become the ultimate stage for this dazzling tradition. From Twelfth Night to Ash Wednesday, the city bursts to life with parades, vibrant street parties, and costumed revellers in a whirlwind of colour and sound. For those curious about how Mardi Gras became such an essential part of New Orleans’ identity, and eager to peek behind the curtain to see how the magic is made, this private tour offers a unique chance to experience the spirit of Mardi Gras any time of year.
On this half-day private walking tour, you will:
Immerse yourself in the magic and mystery of Mardi Gras like a local on this privately guided half-day journey through the traditions, artistry, and enduring spirit of New Orleans’ most iconic celebration. Beginning in the heart of Jackson Square, you will get acquainted with your guide, a deeply knowledgeable and passionate ambassador for this endlessly intriguing city. You will make your way through the historic French Quarter, where every wrought-iron balcony and quiet courtyard has a story to tell. As you stroll the atmospheric streets, you’ll uncover how a centuries-old Catholic festival initially celebrated by a handful of French settlers in Louisiana has evolved into a joyful, raucous, and uniquely New Orleanian expression of identity, creativity, and community.
You will step inside a branch of the Louisiana State Museum called The Presbytère, whose Mardi Gras exhibit boasts an extraordinary collection of regal costumes and rare artefacts that illustrate the transformation of the celebration from Old World roots to present-day spectacle. The adventure continues as you hop on board one of New Orleans’ classic trolleys, an emblematic local custom in itself, to head downriver to the warehouse wonderland of Mardi Gras World, the behind-the-scenes home of float-building in the city.
Here, among towering papier-mâché figures and swirling colours, you'll discover the astonishing artistry and year-round effort of the Krewes, the private organisations responsible for crafting Mardi Gras’ unforgettable parades. From design sketches to the spectacular final creations, the scale and imagination on display are truly awe-inspiring. No Mardi Gras exploration would be complete without a taste of the city’s sweetest tradition: King Cake. While at Mardi Gras World, you will have the chance to enjoy a slice of this sugary, cinnamon-spiced treat while your guide explains where it came from and why you may come upon a plastic figurine (often in the form of a baby) between bites.
More than a party, this curated experience peels back the glitter to reveal the layers of history, craftsmanship and local flair that make Mardi Gras in New Orleans unlike anywhere else in the world. Whether you're visiting in the heart of parade season or not, this tour offers a comprehensive and entertaining glimpse into one of America’s most beloved cultural rituals.
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